Flotilla to hinder drilling

Oil Free Otago has established a ''rapid response'' team of
up to 260 people to take to the waters around Otago to hinder
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation's deep-sea drilling
operations.

Oil Free Otago spokeswoman Niamh O'Flynn said the team was
established during the Oil Free Future Summit in Dunedin at
the weekend, and hinted it may be used to block the shipping
lane in Otago Harbour to stop Anadarko vessels from using
Dunedin as a servicing port.

The flotilla could also be rallied in the open waters around
Otago's coastline as part of its resistance to the petroleum
giant.

The logistics of how their protest would be carried out and
what it would involve were still to be decided, Ms O'Flynn
said.

More than 250 protesters braved wet weather yesterday on the
final day of the summit.

Green MP Gareth Hughes described the weather as ''positively
vile''.

''It's a cold wet day and we've still got more than 250
people here showing their opposition to Anadarko and risky
deep-sea drilling, and they [Anadarko] can expect further
opposition in the future,'' he said.

Initially, it was intended to send people in boats to block
the shipping lane between Quarantine Island and Goat Island.

But the weather forced some instead to hold anti- drilling
banners on a wharf at Back Beach, in Port Chalmers, while
others took to the water in kayaks.

Ms O'Flynn said the action was a practice run for future
action when Anadarko vessels arrived in Otago.

However, Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken, of Dunedin, was
concerned about the safety of the protesters.

''While everyone has the right to protest, they need to
consider the safety of themselves and any other people while
they are doing it.

''Protesting at sea can be dangerous and I would encourage
those participating to ensure they take all safety
precautions.''

The summit was the first of its kind in New Zealand, and
coincided with Anadarko's exploratory deep-sea drilling off
the coast of Raglan.

Anadarko's drill ship Noble Bob Douglas was preparing
to move south next month, where it will begin drilling 60km
from Taiaroa Head.

The summit heard speeches on Saturday from about 16 people,
including Mr Hughes, photo journalist John Wathen, who
photographed the Gulf of Mexico disaster, Dunedin city
councillor Jinty MacTavish, and University of Otago energy
studies director and physics professor Bob Lloyd.

During the conference, it was revealed the Dunedin City
Council held shares in petroleum companies, worth $1.7
million.

The investments account for about 5% of the council's
holdings through the Waipori Fund.

Ms O'Flynn and Mr Hughes said the council should not hold
shares in any company that produces fossil fuels, in the same
way it avoids investing in tobacco and arms companies, and
urged the council to divest its investments in oil companies.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull defended the investments, saying they
were designed to make a return for the benefit of ratepayers.

Cr MacTavish said the council did not have a formal stance on
ethical investment - only that it did not invest in tobacco
or arms companies.

''This is an opportunity for us as a community to have a
conversation about what we collectively feel comfortable
making money from.

''It is important to have this conversation.''

She said a report had been commissioned into ethical
investment opportunities, and it would be discussed by
council later this month.

''My personal feeling is that I'm not very comfortable with
investing in further fossil-fuel exploration.

''I would prefer us to be invested in much more
future-focused industry,'' she said.

I suggest those who think people living in today's society
can protest against fossil fuel exploration without using any
fossil fuel-based products should try protesting against
increasing taxes without paying any tax or using the
facilities taxes pay for. Some things are not a matter of
individual choice when it comes to living as part of a
society ... and I'm certain you would respect the protesters
even less if they were living outside society. No more silly
arguments or accusations please.

"I have just been reading a long list of complaints that
Fracking has caused in four US States. Seems everything from
earthquakes, to contaminated water to gas coming out of their
taps are mentioned. Google it and see for yourself," writes
Maria Aiau. I'm surprised that plagues of locusts didn't come
out of their taps, and streams of orange Jello from their
electricity sockets. The earthquakes are true, sort of. Take
a look at the quake records for NZ. There are hundreds of
tiny quakes every day, quakes that nobody would have noticed
until seismographic recording technology made it possible to
log them. Naturally in a place where something different
happens - fracking in this case - people look for signs of
terrible consequences and naturally, human nature being what
it is, they find it. The things that had happened for years
without causing a moment's concern suddenly became important.
Not only important, but frightening confirmation that
"meddling around with our Planet" was an invitation to Doom.
And while in the mood for Googling, "confirmation bias" is an
interesting thing to learn about.

I can hardly believe the number of people here writing in
support of drilling off our coast.

Oil is running out, we have to find alternatives. We only
have one planet here, and we can not afford to keep risking
our Oceans.

I have just been reading a long list of complaints that
Fracking has caused in four US States. Seems everything from
earthquakes, to contaminated water to gas coming out of their
taps are mentioned. Google it and see for yourself.

A major accident here would be an absolute disaster, so I am
guessing all the supporters here will be the first to put
their hand up, and pay for the clean up, should one occur.

I also drive a car, use a computer, etc, etc, but I also know
we have to find a better way. And with change comes new
ideas, which will create new jobs. People need to think
outside the square a little bit more, and stop depending on
the same old, same old things.

These protestors have my full support, I want my
grandchildren to inherit a planet, that they and future
generations will be able to live a quality life on. There are
some things that are worth fighting for, and our Planet is my
top priority.

Open you eyes and use your brain, they were not protesting
oil, it was a protest against the exploitation of New
Zealand. The off-shore oil barrons are treating New Zealand
as any other third world country that they come across, Barge
in, steal the riches, leave their mess behind and move on to
the next sucker. Our government should be ashamed for selling
us out, but most will be gone in a few years, just like our
resources and pristine environment, but what are a few
penguins and sea lions when we can reward a few billionaires.

"Fortunately, there is one element of simplicity in all
this complexity...and that is what we must do: As a global
society, we must reduce our dependency on fossil fuels as
quickly as possible. It is the only realistic answer both to
climate change and our economic vulnerability to declining
fossil fuel resource quality and EROEI. This is literally
humanity's project of the century, probably the most
important in all of history. It is an enormous challenge, but
it is not optional. Either we break the addiction, or we
suffer the consequences-which would impact not only
ourselves, but future generations as well."

The logical conclusion to the drilling debate, at least for
those who properly understand the science and logic behind
both climate risk and EROEI decline is simple: Unless someone
will guarantee and ensure that ALL the revenue from this
endeavour would go to investments in renewable energy, and I
doubt anyone can, the (potential) fossil fuels should stay in
the ground. The only way to ensure this is not to conduct the
exploration. Otherwise, these are by any measure,
ill-begotten and quite clearly unethical potential
riches; benefiting a few for sure, but at unacceptable cost
to the many and our common future.

There has been oil and gas extracted from the Tasman Sea for
45 years off the Taranaki coast without a spill. This is
scare mongering from the lunatic fringe. How hypocritical to
claim they have no other option but to use oil derived
products, and oil powered vehicles when this is the
future these protesters would have us consigned to. I
acknowledge their right to protest however the
majority of us that support exploration and investment
in Otago also have the right to have our opinions heard.

There were twice as many people behind the cameraman as there
was in front. As far wealth and jobs, these will mostly go
elsewhere. Off-shore drilling is highly specialised and very
risky, the gulf of mexico has been devastated by the same
company that is attempting to exploit our coastline.
The Deep Water horizon was exploratory as well. If oil
is so valuable, maybe we should hold on to it for a while
longer then it will be even more valuable, and perhaps the
technology will be more reliable. Is short term gain really
worth the long term loss of our pristine marine environment?

Must be a really important situation for 260 people to
protest about considering our population of 120 odd thousand
people.

Look, no one's arguing their right to protest, no one's
arguing that continued oil extraction and use is likely not
good for the planet. No one's arguing that in the slight
chance of a mishap, the will be repercussions.

If there was a viable alternative to oil, currently
available, we would all be happy to use it. But there isn't.
Until the time arrives that there is an alternative, the
whole world needs oil.

If there's a chance of finding gas/oil, Dunedin as a whole
needs to embrace all the possibilities in relation to
employment and servicing the industry. Any money the
government receives for royalties must also be beneficial to
all New Zealanders.

If we don't act and secure a base for them here, Invercargill
will beat us too it. Maybe ask yourselves why Tim has been
Mayor in Invercargill for so long. Might be to do with
embracing change and pushing their city forward for the
benefit of its citizens.

I congratulate all those here making their smug comments
about the protestors equipment, cars, clothing etc being
plastic/made from oil. Well done!...on the standard apathetic
response.

For starters, they were protesting against where the oil rig
will go, the environmental impact it will have and the
environmental disaster that could come of it.

And it'll bring extra money, extra jobs & tax cuts? WIll
you be happy when there's a spill off our coastline and it'll
be us stuck with the bill? If you think the oil company will
take the hit then you're naive.

It seems people can't see the bigger picture. They're happy
being spoon fed everything. "Oh my car runs on oil so we need
it. Plastic is made from oil so we need it. We need oil at
all costs". Are you so blind you can't see we need to shift
our reliance on oil? I guess since oil won't run out until
after most of these people are dead they won't care. They'll
happily put in 100 dollars worth of fuel at the gas station
and not think twice.

When the oil does run out, or when we have a major disaster
off our coasts, our children will ask 'if they knew it was so
bad, why didn't they change anything?' and the answer will
be, when they look at public opinion of the time: 'I needed
oil for my car to go the shop to buy my plastic Highlanders
raincoat'. Apparently this is more important than our earth
and the future for our children. What heroes these armchair
apathetics will be seen as! 250 people decide that this is
not the future they want, and this is cause for criticism and
major derision. 'haha aren't they stupid protesting oil in
their oil based products!' Thousands, millions, will silently
do as they're told by companies, corporations and governments
and they're 'in the right' because 'it's a good thing for the
economy' and 'everything uses oil so why fight it?'

I feel saddened by the comments here. They make enough effort
to put down these protestors but they'll never get off their
feet to make an effort to break their reliance on a limited
resource. For shame.

What a laugh... all those anti oil protesters promoting oil
based products like there is no tomorrow!

Where do they think their PVC protest signs come from? The
parkas life jackets and wet suits they wear? The soles of
their shoes? The PE and fiber glass kayaks, surfboards and
boats with their plastic paddles they are on and in??

How did they get to this protest... by oil fueled vehicles
one suspects.

Oil, oil, oil . . . Currently its a fact of life and until we
come up with an alternative that is what we have and must
use. Maybe if these protesters spent some time looking for
alternatives rather than protesting in such a hypocritical
fashion as they are, things could change.

Reading some of the comments here makes me realise just who
the "muppets" really are. Unless I am mistaken, New
Zealanders still have a right to protest (despite the current
Govt's shady GCSB dealings). Good on these people for having
the guts to question the logic of having foreign owned
companies march in and fleece us - not only environmentally
(both short term and long term) but also economically (since
the profits from any venture are not going to end up in
Dunedinites' pockets). It seems all it takes for the
spineless morons of this town to roll over is the promise of
a few jobs and "riches for all". Yeh, right - heard it all
before when they built the White Elephant stadium. And B.T.W.
what do you expect people participating in this protest to
travel in in a world which has refused to develop practical
alternatives? The real muppets can go back to their daytime
T.V. and wait for their "gold rush".

Yet again we are subjected to the opinions of the loopy
fringe. I was blown away by the sheer hypocrisy shown by our
green warriors.

Take for example the wonderful show of small watercraft in
the image, with the exception of the stunning row boat in the
foreground all of the others are made from products which
will include oil. This is also true for the floatation vests
some are wearing, the wetsuits and clothing worn and most
certainly the vehicles used to get to and from the protest.

In addition to all of this is the paltry turnout, estimated
at over 250 people (approx 50 in the image)- Dunedin's
population according to the last census is something like
126,000. Apparently the vast majority of Dunedin people don't
support the protesters' view.

Since the protesters have no problem using products
manufactured from or with oil perhaps they can explain why
future Kiwi's shouldn't have the same benefits.

Each of the vehicles in the car park probably held about
5 Litres of Oil, meaning about 30 cars (as counted from
various sources) made a total of 150. If that were to be
spilled you would have enough to cover that little beach
where they were situated. And clearly the ones with political
hats (that the public has every right to scrutinize) on made
a flight down from the North Island as well as another
willing to make flights in the future with burning fuels to
add to global warming, not so clean and green after all. Not
to mention the PVC banners, plastic boats (I won't get too
silly with this!) etc.
Another point -Contrary to the argument of the protestors, I
also though that Anadarko were going for gas also?

This has made the front page today but some have already
questioned the authenticity of the number count, whether it's
100 (approx. 30 cars with 3-4 people approx.) or "260"
it's still a minority compared with the rest of the
population that want opportunities and jobs and a minor
percentage compared with the neurosurgery turnout.

Greenies in plastic macs, paddling plastic boats, holding
plastic signs protesting against fossil fuel. Driving to the
protest in vehicles made by and powered by fossil fuels. I
wonder how they heat and light their houses. Pathetic really.

Sensible Dunedin people need to find a way to drown out these
perpetual whingers , otherwise we risk losing the biggest
opportunity for Otago since gold was found.

Anyone fancy a counter protest next time the tree huggers get
together?

Did anyone from the ODT count how many were there. From the
photos I'd figure about 100. This issue is far too important
to be relying on figures provided by these activists ,who are
seem set on preventing our local economy growing and
the wealth and jobs that could be provided by this once in a
lifetime opportunity.

There were probably not a lot of people who would gain
financial benefit from the new industry for Dunedin
protesting yesterday. It is a job for comfortable
middle-class lefties who are probably employed, one way or
another, on the public payroll, or not employed at all.

Why do so many kiwis fear economic development? And what are
these " future-focused industries" Cr McTavish speaks of?
What a load of tosh. This is the same rubbish that gets
trotted out about supposed green jobs; seen any of these
lately? Big employers are they?

The Mayor of Dunedin is indifferent to the development; the
ODT is lukewarm at best; and there is a community of people
in Dunedin with nothing better to do than get a warm inner
glow from protesting. Just agree to have Invercargill be the
base for this economic activity and be done with it. There is
no contest. Invercargill wants it; let Invercargill have it
without any auction between the cities.

well done oil free Otago, the photo with the protestor had it
right-"No deep Sea Oil" absolutely 100% correct because it's
gas they are drilling for.

Cr McTavish paid by ratepayers-- should be asked to resign
from her position as councillor. She is protesting on an
issue that is out of the control of local authorities. She is
also protesting against an industry that will bring 100's of
millions of dollars to the local economy.

Stand up Otago-- don't allow a few protestors who are
disingenuous with the facts to de-rail what will be an
economic boom for the local economy for the next 50 years.

Stand Up Otago rate-payers fight for this oppurtunity, in the
meantime we should be asking Councillor McTavish to consider
her role as a councillor.

So they are protesting Oil Drilling while sitting in boats
made from petrochemicals and wearing clothes made from
petrochemicals. Probably drove there in a car burning oil, or
rode a bike, made using petrol.

The breakfast they had before going out? Probably got to the
supmarket using oil, and also probably harvested/made using
petrol?

Those protest signs look to made of petrochemicals too. So in
reality this is a protest supporting the use of oil?

Fair enough if they want to protest at the port but to
blockade legally and safely they will need a boat larger than
the one Anadarko uses in order to have right of way (assuming
there aren't rules on parking in the boat lanes). Otherwise
they leave themselves open to a legal can of worms,
especially if it somehow endangers either themselves or
anyone else. I only know the basics of marine navigation but
I understand it's fairly simple.